Basenji has an outy belly button ­– Should I Panic?

Let's figure it out. Each breed has its own characteristics. Such a breed feature for Basenji is the “so-called umbilical hernia”.

If we go back to the breed`s history, which is about 5 thousand years old, then it says that Basenji with an umbilical hernia were considered as a “Godsend” and only these dogs were selected for breeding.

However, what is a hernia in the standard sense? It is a hernial orifice (ring) – an opening in the abdominal wall. Through it, the hernial sac comes out (the part of the peritoneum in which the hernial contents are located).

Where do umbilical hernias come from? It arises on the basis of some anatomical features that are certainly heritable. For dogs, umbilical hernia is inherited as a simple recessive trait.

Basenjis often have an outy belly button. But the basenji's hernia is completely different from the standard meaning.

Often a hernia for a Basenji is just an oil seal that remains outside after the closing of a hernial ring.

There is no reason to panic, unless the hernia acquires an unusual colour or increases in size in a short period of time. In that case the surgical intervention is required.

Be careful and watch your puppy. Consult with your breeder or other breeders.

Vets, who often aren`t familiar with the breed characteristics, recommend surgery in cases when it is not needed.

If you found this information helpful, please like it.